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From: maciag@spar.UUCP (Chris Maciag)
Newsgroups: net.bicycle,net.cycle
Subject: Re: requesting advice about motorscooters for 16 yr. old daughter
Message-ID: <494@spar.UUCP>
Date: Fri, 30-Aug-85 17:14:39 EDT
Article-I.D.: spar.494
Posted: Fri Aug 30 17:14:39 1985
Date-Received: Sun, 1-Sep-85 11:44:22 EDT
References: <2036T3B@psuvm>
Reply-To: maciag@max.UUCP (Chris Maciag)
Organization: Schlumberger Palo Alto Research, CA
Lines: 21
Xref: linus net.bicycle:1285 net.cycle:846
Summary: 

In article <2036T3B@psuvm> T3B@psuvm.BITNET writes:
>I am requesting advice about safety, utility, and models of motorscooters.
>My 16 year old daughter wants a motor scooter, and I have typical middle-ager's
>worries about its safety.

	I used to ride a vespa and a moped before I bought my Honda
XL500.  I would say stay away from mopeds of any kind and go for the
scooter or vespa.  First, crossing busy streets is close to impossible
on a moped (because of its lack of accelleration).  Secondly, mopeds are
much lighter and cheaper than vespas.  They need more service and slide
out from under you easier because of this.  Vespas also can go fast
enough to ride in a lane rather than in the bike lane.  This keeps alot
of people from 'sharing' lanes with you and avoids problems with cars
making right turns (one of the most common bike/moped accident).
Finally, with the better acceleration and braking of a vespa or scooter,
it is easier to avoid an accident.  I would say buy one of the larger
scooters or a vespa, or even a small motorcyle (you need a class 4
license for a vespa or scooter anyway).  I think I am safer on my XL 500
than I was on my vespa or moped, but the vespa is safe enough.

	-Chris